Chipotle update: Seven more E. coli cases reported

Seven additional Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 (STEC O26) infections have been reported linked to the Chipotle Mexican Grill outbreak. In addition, cases were reported from Illinois, Maryland and Pennsylvania for the first time, bringing the number of states affected to nine.

As of December 2, 2015, 52 people infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O26, of which 20 required hospitalization for their illness. No deaths or cases of HUS have been reported.

The breakdown of cases by state is as follows: California (3), Illinois (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (2), New York (1), Ohio (3), Oregon (13), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (27).

The epidemiologic evidence available at this time suggests that a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak. Nine out of 10 people interviewed reported eating at a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in the week before their illness started.

The investigation has not identified what specific food is linked to illness.